SLR suggestions for mature beginner

So my mom is in the market for a new digital camera. She dabbled in photography more than 30 years ago, and has a good eye for composing scenes but her knowledge of basic concepts like aperture and ISO/ASA is somewhat limited. So here are the requirements:

• Attracted mostly to DSLRs from previous experience with film SLRs many years ago...
• Liked the responsiveness of my D70 versus P&S; Likes instant on and shoot, rather than waiting for a little zoom lens to telescope out
• prefers tactile feedback of SLR like manually zooming the lens, switching to manual focus and using dials versus navigating complex menus.
• Wants an SLR style grip
• Complete kit needs to be fairly light, easily portable and easy to hold for small hands...
• Most prints will be 4x6, 5x7... and a few 8x10s
• Very basic computer literacy (email, browsing) means not likely to get too much into RAW or complex post-processing. Full Photoshop is most definitely out-of-reach.
• Don't want to spend more than around $800 on a complete solution (camera, lens, memory, accessories) at least to begin with.

Given these criteria, I think the original 6MP D40 might be about the best bang for the buck. Not sure about lenses, but I think the 18-55mm might be a good place to start as its pretty compact. Anything else to consider?

Any other tips for getting an older person into digital photography while avoiding the relatively steep learning curve?

Oh, she currently has a PC, but might go Mac soon. Unfortunately, I haven't a clue what software would be appropriate for Mac or whether a Mac would be significantly easier to learn than XP.

The D40 sounds like a good fit, but you haven't mentioned what she wants to shoot. The subject matter is going to dictate lens choice.

As far as avoiding the steep learning curve- I don't think "getting into photography" and "avoiding the learning curve" fit in the same sentence.

With SLR and DSLR lenses are really the main consideration. You need to consider want you want to shoot and what lenses now or in the future would suit that and then find a body to match. She should really try holding different camera bodies for comfort and weight. Weight can be a big consideration with DSLR if you want to go beyond a mid zoom range. I doubt the kit 18-55mm lens will satisfy, after being use to longer focal length P & S ranges. The statement about wanting to turn on and shoot immediately and not wait the second or two for the lens to extend is curious. With a DLSR nothing is really instantaneous either, you have to adjust the zoom manually so not sure the issue there. If a person isn't that computer literate regarding using software the learning curve will be even steeper, but it is doable if the person is very motivated. With a DSLR you have faster AF and faster burst rate and of course other features, but if person is not wanting to shoot things in motion that benefit by such features, they might be just as happy with a high end "bridge type" P & S that has many of the features of a DSLR. I would seriously consider all options, before jumping into DSLR.
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LayneC

The two criteria I'd be most concerned about if buying for my parents is handling (size, weight) and camera shake.

The D40 sounds ideal, but I'd be keen on getting it with the new middle of the road VR kit lens bundled with a D60. The VR could be significant.

If this isn't an option, then I would seriously look at the entry level competition which has inbuilt VR.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/leechypics/

Hi Gordo

I am a mature beginner that had only used p & S cameras , I wanted to get into more serious photography and take it up as a hobby rather than just taking snapshots on holiday etc. I researched for months, tried all sorts of cameras in my hands . Some were way too hard for me to understand all the bells and whistles , and some i didnt like the feel of in my hands , which are only fairly small. I finally decided on the D40X , it felt "right" in my hands and is easier to understand than some of the more advanced cameras, it also is nice and light to carry with the kit lens 18 - 55 . I am very happy with it, its given me a great start to the world of DSLR and when i advance a little further and it frustrates me when i cant do the things i want , or i get a touch of NAS , I will go for the replacement of the D80 . Your Mum would love the D40 or the D60 I'm sure .
Regards
Sally

Gordo ,

I don't know if a kit is available but a D40 with the new 18-55 and 55-200 Vr lenses would do the trick.
there is a kit with the D60 and the 18-55 VR.
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Gordo1 said:

Given these criteria, I think the original 6MP D40 might be about the
best bang for the buck. Not sure about lenses, but I think the
18-55mm might be a good place to start as its pretty compact.
Anything else to consider?

Click to expand...

i think any of the three lightweight Nikon DSLRS would fit the bill

the 18-55, 18-55vr and 55-200VR are all small and light and would do the job

i would throw in the sb-400 too

you stick a d40 in auto with a sb-400 swivelled to bounce off the ceiling and you have as close to automatic good pictures as you can get

I will look into the other lenses mentioned. Perhaps VR is a good idea.

I will also have a look at the higher-end prosumer P&Ses, as these may suffice as well. It's really going to come down to what she feels most comfortable using. I'm not sure how far she's going to go with this, but we can always move up to fancier gear if this becomes a serious hobby of hers.

I've been taking pictures as long as your Mom and recently moved from an advanced P&S (prosumer) type camera to the SLR. If you mother previously used an SLR I think she'll be happier with the D40-D60 type of camera. They will allow her to use her previous habits/skills, particularly in manual mode, while learning about the new auto features. I find it most frustrating to have the camera deciding (incorrectly) what I intended the shot to look like. Being able to drop into manual mode and adjust the settings is helpful to those of us who are used to doing it for ourselves.

I would see what size camera mom would like.....personally I find the D40 size cameras too small.......and seeing as how your mom did this before, and likes your D70.......perhaps a D80 would be a good choice.....I am sure you understand that while experience is a huge factor in nice photos ,this is not rocket science.
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Gene from Western Pa

http://imageevent.com/grc6
http://grc225.zenfolio.com/
FZ10....20 and 30 and FZ18

D50 ....D80 - 18 to 200VR- 50mm 1.8 - 80 to 400 OS



Just trying to learn and it's slow going!